Spokeswoman for the committee Robyn Carroll said the response far outweighed our expectations and through the editorial in the Harden Express we have managed to attract new sponsors as well as continuing our previous partnership with new business owner Wal and Jodie Leonow from Twin Town Pizza & Kebabs.

Robyn said the festival felt they needed to pay for some services previously provided by volunteers if they were to keep attracting them back.

“Michael Richards from Kite Magic has been with us from day one making the trip from Sydney each year (with the exception of last year) on a volunteer basis bringing his static kites to add to the event,” Robyn said.

“Michael is a tireless worker on the day keeping his eye out on festivities and jumping in and lending a hand where needed.

“The committee felt that they needed to get the festival into a position where fuel costs and subsided accommodation could be provided.”

Robyn also said another aim is to ensure there is enough funds to give back to the community at the completion of each event and so far the committee has been able to make donations to Rotary for their invaluable assistance in manning the gate, Men’s shed for their support in helping set up for the event and the SES for the first aid provided on the day.

The committee also had trouble securing kite sellers for the event so have taken on the very bold and brave move to sell kites at this year’s event.

“Monies needed to be raised to purchase a stock of kites and wind things to sell at the event,” Robyn said.

“With generous support from all of our sponsors we have been able to raise the required funds needed to purchase this stock.”

Robyn is hoping in future years they will be financial enough to secure professional stunt kite flyers to the event.

There is scope for the event to grow to bring kite fighting and precision flyers to the event in future years.